Roy L. Gilbert
Roy Lee Gilbert (1938 – April 4, 1961) was an American Thoroughbred horse racing jockey who died as a result of a racing accident. A United Press International news release at the time of his death called him "one of the most promising young jockeys in the country."[1]
| Roy Gilbert | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Jockey |
| Born | 1938 London, Kentucky, United States |
| Died | (aged 22) |
| Career wins | 174 |
| Major racing wins | |
| Swift Stakes (1961) John B. Campbell Handicap (1961) Bay Shore Handicap (1961) | |
| Significant horses | |
| Merry Ruler | |
Early life
Born in London, Kentucky, Roy Gilbert was one of 18 children.[1][2] He began working in the Thoroughbred racing industry in 1954 as a stable hand then as an exercise rider for the future U.S. Racing Hall of Fame trainer, Woody Stephens. In 1957, Gilbert began riding professionally but in June 1958 was sidelined for a time after he suffered a broken leg as a result of being thrown from his horse during a race at Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport, New Jersey.
Death
On April 4, 1961, at Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, New York, Gilbert was thrown from his horse Plenty Papaya, during the fourth race, and struck his head on the concrete base of a rail post. He died on the way to hospital. He was a few months shy of his 23rd birthday.[3][1]
Personal life
His brother William had been a jockey, and their nephew, Bobby Gilbert, became a jockey in 1975 at age 17.
References
- "Young Jockey Killed in Spill". The Nevada Daily Mail. New York. United Press International. April 5, 1961.
- "Gilbert Dies After Aqueduct Fall". The Baltimore Sun.
- "Sport: The Loser". TIME. April 14, 1961.